Organized labor in the greater St. Louis metro area and the United Way have worked together for years. This year the IAM and the area labor federations continued to grow the Labor/United Way "Trap Shoot Kickoff" success from last year.
"Unions helped to ensure the betterment of working conditions and wages, while the United Way is there to help improve the quality of life for people in need," said Dean Webb, secretary/treasurer for Machinist Lodge 660 and the Greater Madison Country Federation of Labor.
Webb was one of the coordinators for this year's Labor/United Way Trap Shoot Kickoff, which was on October 9, 2009 at the Winchester facility in East Alton, IL.
The event was hosted by all five labor councils from both sides of the Mississippi which are the St. Louis Labor Council, Greater Madison County Federation of Labor, the Southwestern Illinois Central Labor Council, the St. Louis Building and Construction Trades Council and the Southwestern Illinois Building and Construction Trades Council.
The trap shoot was held at the Winchester trap and skeet facility just down the road from the IAM Lodge 660 hall where the barbecue dinner and awards presentation took place.
IAM International President R. Thomas Buffenbarger, an avid sporting clays enthusiast, participated in the event and was the guest speaker at the awards ceremony.
Lodge 660 Treasurer B. Dean Webb
Despite rainy, cold weather, Webb said it was a success with about 98 shooters and 26 sponsors. The shoot raised about $7,500.
This was an improvement from last year, when the event welcomed 71 shooters and made a $4,300 donation to United Way.
"We were looking for new ways to raise money for United Way and have all five labor councils do something together," said Webb, who credits the labor shoot idea to Marty St. Peters, IAM District 9 Business Representative and president of the Greater Madison County Federation of Labor.
"We thought it may also attract people who do not own their own gun or have never shot a gun. This would give them a chance to shoot and help raise money for a good cause."
Next year, Webb said he hopes they will have at least 200 shooters and better weather.
"Before becoming involved with the union, I never knew the relationship between United Way and labor unions," he said. "United Way and unions work together to provide people assistance."
Webb serves on the auxiliary board for the Southwest Illinois Division of United Way of Greater St. Louis.
IAM International President R. Thomas Buffenbarger
IAM International President R. Thomas Buffenbarger
IAM International President R. Thomas Buffenbarger addresses
Labor/United Way "Trap Shoot Kickoff" participants at IAM Lodge 660
IAM International President R. Thomas Buffenbarger addresses
Labor/United Way "Trap Shoot Kickoff" participants at IAM Lodge 660
Gene Flowers, 44 year member of IAM Lodge 660 wins first place
and behind him from left to right
Gary Dollar - President and CEO of the United Way of Greater St. Louis
Bill Thurston - President of the Southwestern Illinois Central Labor Council
Dale Stewart - Executive Secretary Treasurer of the Southwestern IL Building Trades & Construction Council
Marty St. Peters - President of the Greater Madison County Federation of Labor & DL 9 Business Representative
Gary Bloemker, IAM Lodge 660 member wins 2nd place
Tracy Gardner, IAM Lodge 41 member wins third place
